Kenilworth councillors have noted the small change of heart this week by Warwick District Council. New recommendations approved by the council's executive offer the possibility of some limited flexibility over the post-lockdown opening and closing of Abbey Fields swimming pools and Castle Farm recreation centre.

Questions posed by local Green party and Liberal Democrat councillors at Warwick District Council scrutiny committees this week focused on the issue of physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents being more important than making small financial savings.

An unexpected change this week in the proposal from the council means that, rather than both sites definitely staying closed until new premises are opened in late 2022 at the earliest, the facilities may yet be used this year depending on a decision to be made by the council's head of service, deputy chief executive and the portfolio holder Cllr Alan Rhead.

However, despite a recommendation from the overview and scrutiny committee, the council's executive voted unanimously against including Kenilworth's district councillors in this decision.

The full council will now vote on these proposals when it meets on 24 February and the planning applications will be considered separately in the next few months.

Leader of Kenilworth Town Council, Cllr John Dearing, said: "It would have been very disappointing for residents to be completely deprived of any public leisure facilities in the town this year. We're all hoping that the summer will allow us to get out and about more.

"After such a long lockdown, the swimming pool and gym facilities will be essential to many people for re-gaining their health and wellbeing. The Green and Liberal Democrat Councillors will continue to push Warwick District Council for the earliest possible opening dates when lockdown is lifted, and the latest possible closure dates prior to the scheduled demolition later this year."

Cllr Kate Dickson, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the town council, said "we're glad that the council saw sense and, albeit at the last minute, withdrew its original proposal, but are unhappy that the decision about any possible temporary re-opening will be made without any consultation with local elected Kenilworth representatives.

"We've heard recently from many residents of Kenilworth, local community groups and visitors to the town about their unhappiness with these plans and we'll continue at subsequent council meetings to hold the council to account for its actions."